Whether you want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life or fancy a relaxing break at a country hotel, the East Midlands has some beautiful destinations to get away from it all.

From the historic market town of Melbourne, in Derbyshire, and its links to Lord Byron and Queen Victoria, to the busy city life of Nottingham and its two Michelin-starred Restaurant Sat Bains, we have taken a look at the top 10 getaways in the area.

With many of the destinations less than an hour's drive from Leicester city centre, what are you waiting for? Get your bags packed and spend some quality time with family and friends.

Newark-on-Trent - 45 minutes

The Workhouse at Southwell, owned by the National Trust

Where to stay: Try the Best Western Deincourt Hotel or the Beaumond Cross Inn which are in the centre of town.

A little further out is the Premier Inn, Kelham House Country Manor Hotel and the Manor Court, which is dark, gothic and thoroughly theatrical.

Where to eat: Plenty of choice with cuisine from around the world including Koinonia Restaurant (Indian), Pastability (Italian), Danube Café and Restaurant (central European), Holy Moly (Mexican), the Vaults Cider and Ale House (British) and the Greek Steakhouse.

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What to do: This market town is the perfect base to explore the Dovedale Tissington Trail, Buxton, Cheadle, Matlock, Wirksworth, Ilam and some beautiful villages such as Brailsford and Flash.

Ashbourne Show, which is held at Osmaston Park takes place each August and Quad Nation is just seven miles to the south of the town. Here you can experience off-road quad biking through some of the muddiest terrain in the county.

Nottingham - 45 minutes

Nottingham's The Old Market Square

Where to stay: In the city centre there is a plethora of big name hotel brands including Roomzzz, Crowne Plaza, Double Tree by Hilton, Mercure, Jurys Inn, Premier Inn and Holiday Inn.

Five miles outside the city, is the AA four star hotel Nottingham Belfry. It boasts a high-tech health club, tranquil spa, indoor swimming pool, a relaxing sauna and steam room and six spa treatment rooms.

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Where to eat: Restaurant Sat Bains triumphed with two stars in the 2018 Michelin Guide and is Nottingham’s only restaurant to be awarded the prestigious accolade in honour of culinary excellence. Prices range from £95 to £130.

If you fancy eating in the city centre there is an abundance of eateries with menus from around the world including Maysum Chinese and Asian Buffet, and Loch Fyne Seafood and Grill.

What to do: Catch a show at the Theatre Royal or Concert Hall, or pop along and check out your ice skating skills at the National Ice Centre. Sports fans might also want to pop along and catch the horseracing at Nottingham or Southall courses, or a night at the dogs with a pie and pea supper is a favourite among visitors.

Melbourne - 40 minutes

The historic Melbourne Hall which is home to the Kerr family, headed by Lord Ralph

Where to stay: Harpurs of Melbourne has been awarded with AA four star for accommodation and boasts two rosettes for culinary excellent.

There's also the Coach House which is situated in the heart of the market town, with Melbourne View Hotel just a three minute drive from the centre.

Where to eat: There are plenty of eateries in this town including the Bay Tree, Harpurs of Melbourne and Amalfi White which all serve excellent food in a relaxed environment.

Derby - 45 minutes

Where to stay: The Hallmark Hotel Derby Midland oozes character and history and perfect if you are catching a train to the city.

Premier Inn and a Holiday Inn can be found in the centre of Derby, right next to the Intu shopping centre.

Where to eat: Whatever your taste in food, Derby has it all. From Caribbean food served at Turtle Bay, to Thai Tapas at Finale, through to French dining at Pierre Bistrot and Italian fun at Antibo, the choice is almost endless.

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What to do: With a guildhall, theatre, arena, cathedral and numerous museums, if you fancy immersing yourself in a bit of culture, Derby is perfect.

Sporting fans can take a trip to Derby Country's Pride Park to watch the take in a football match and just on the outskirts is Donington Collections which has the largest collection of Grand Prix cars in the world.

Loughborough - 25 minutes

John Duffin of John's House restaurant

Where to stay: Burleigh Court Hotel and Spa is set within the grounds of Loughborough University and you don't have to be visiting the education facility to stay here.

There's also a selection of budget hotels and guest houses to suit all budgets.

Where to eat: The Michelin-starred John's House Restaurant, in Mountsorrel, has a three-course evening menu priced £47 each.

Food is also available a selection of eateries including Cino, the Paget Arms, Plan Burrito, Hammers and Pincers, Eastern Spice and the White Horse.

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What to do: Gin. It's on trend and everyone's favourite drink so if you fancy a blending your own unique recipe, 45 Gin School will be high on your 'to do list'.

You don't have to be a railway buff to enjoy a trip along the Great Central Railway aboard a steam train.

And if you ever wanted to be a train driver there's the chance to take control of a steam engine – it’s the stuff of childhood dreams.

Chesterfield - one hour five minutes

The 'Crooked Spire' in Chesterfield

Where to stay: There's an Ibis right in the centre of town if you want to be in the mix. If you fancy a bit or AA four star hotel indulgence, just five miles away at Stonedge, is the Peak Edge Hotel at The Red Lion.

Where to eat: Whatever your taste or budget, there’s some excellent restaurants and cafes in the town including Stephensons Tea and Coffee House, The Lilypad, Three Horseshoes, Einstein's, Woodheads Café and Siam Palace Thai Restaurant. For sushi-lovers O-Tokuda is a must.

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Things you need to know if you're off on holiday

What to do: Chesterfield Parish Church may not be an instantly recognisable name, but the Crooked Spire will be. The landmark – and the largest church in Derbyshire – attracts visitors from around the country.

Chesterfield is also an excellent base to explore Hardwick Hall, Chatsworth, Bakewell, Matlock and the rest of the beautiful Peak District.

Melton Mowbray - 35 minutes

The swanky Stapleford Park, near Melton Mowbray

Where to stay: If you fancy total relaxation Ragdale Hall Health Hydro and Thermal Spa and Stapleford Park Country House Hotel and Sporting Hotel are popular haunt for those who fancy being whisked away from it all.

In the centre of town you will find a Premier Inn, the Quorn Lodge Hotel and the Harboro Hotel.

Where to eat: Without a doubt, a trip to the Leicestershire town wouldn't be complete without treating yourself to a Melton Mowbray pork pie which has gained Protected Geographical Indication status.

Restaurants include Italian restaurants such as Amici, La Torre and Amore, along with Miss B's Tea Rooms, and further out of town the Stilton Cheese Inn.